Zenergi was appointed by the building contractor, BAM, to lead on the mechanical and electrical design for this transformative project. We were excited about the opportunity to replace a depot that had operated since 1932, when energy efficiency wasn’t a consideration, reimagining a facility that would support the UK’s 2050 net zero target.
We designed an innovative solution for the new 6.5-acre site, with facilities to accommodate more than 170 buses across 12 maintenance bays, 3 fuel bays and 4 wash bays. Our approach integrated multiple sustainable technologies including 150 commercial Solar PV Panels, hybrid heating systems with Air Source Heat Pumps, electric overhead radiant panels and Variable Refrigerant Flow systems. This eliminated the need for gas onsite entirely.
As transport facilities are updated and evolved, they represent a huge opportunity for improving sustainability practice. Large-scale sites like these need efficient systems that support operational demands while looking forward to future decarbonisation. Our design for National Express created exactly that: a modern infrastructure that performs better today, while using renewable energy sources that secure future operations.
The 432m² green roof with 22-species planting mix improves air quality and creates wildlife habitats, while the green wall on acoustic panelling reduces noise pollution. We created rainwater harvesting facilities for chassis washing and a self-contained water recycling system for bus washes. Most importantly, we designed 14 Electric Vehicle Charging stations with capacity to accommodate a full fleet of electric buses, ensuring the depot is ready for the transport sector’s inevitable transition to zero-emission vehicles.
National Express's Perry Barr depot project shows that you can have the best of both worlds when you update transport infrastructure. We’ve implemented integrated systems that support both operational excellence and environmental responsibility. As a partnership, we’re proud to say that we’ve managed to achieve ambitious sustainability targets while creating better working environments for their teams."
Nick Drake
Director of Net Zero
Zenergi
This investment in a new depot is helping lay the foundations for a cleaner bus network of the future. It’s great that Perry Barr, which is undergoing such a significant transformation, is at the heart of this green progress.”
Cllr Ian Ward
Leader of the Council
Birmingham City Council
Our specialist M&E design delivered a modern new facility, setting a high standard for National Express’s operational and environmental performance. As a team, we:
Delivered a zero-gas facility through innovative hybrid heating combining multiple renewable technologies
Implemented comprehensive sustainability features including a green roof, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling systems
Created infrastructure supporting a future electric bus fleet transition with 14 dedicated EV charging bays
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
Mechanical and Electrical Design
Siteworks
Solar PV
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